UP: Youth refuses to pay policemen, shot dead

Mathura: Violent protests erupted in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura district on Tuesday after a man died after he was allegedly beaten up and shot dead by policemen. The mob being violent and set the Shergarh police station on fire alleging that the policemen who killed the youth were involved in extortion.

The incident took place when a 18-year-old Shergarh resident, Jitendra, was going on his tractor to sell some goods. On the way some policemen allegedly tried to extort some money from Jitendra.

The residents alleged that instead of trying to pacify the mob and promise action against the errant officials, police fired at the crowd.

Jitendra reportedly refused to give them any money following which the policemen beat him very brutally. Later the policemen allegedly shot dead the victim when he continued to oppose them.

After the matter came to light, local residents blocked the road and protested against the government and police. The residents alleged that instead of trying to pacify the mob and promise action against the errant officials, police fired at the crowd.

According to the eyewitnesses at least five persons were injured in the firing and have been admitted to the hospital in a critical condition.

When asked about the incident Mathura SSP claimed that Jitendra had fallen from the tractor and died. The police officer, however, failed to explain about bullet marks on Jitendra's body even though he kept insisting that the youth had fallen from the tractor and died.

As the matter escalated, the IG of the area intervened and suspended Shergarh police station in charge, one head constable and four constables. A case under IPC Section 302 has been registered against the six suspended policemen. The IG has assured strict action against the policemen even though they are yet to be arrested.